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Hot Shopping: Scene in the City: Classy Academy Road

Vase from Sharon's Linens and Gifts

One of Winnipeg’s most glamourous promenades, Academy Road hosts an array of high-end fashion boutiques and extraordinary décor and gift stores. The old road, built in 1903, was originally named for St. Mary’s Academy Catholic School for girls, which still anchors the east end of the strip today.

Initiate your shopping at Ash Street and step into Divine and Conquer for stylish looks for women by many Canadian designers. A few doors down, spoil yourself and pick up locally made lotions, face washes and bath salts at Tiber River, including natural fragrant body products. Island Imports is the go-to for handmade gems from Bali including rare lamps made from shells, tiny jewellery baskets, necklaces and woven furniture.

For brilliant frocks, Cheryl Renee’s dashing boutique delivers statement cocktail dresses and smart casuals and professional looks. Sharon’s Linens and Gifts (pictured) is the perfect place to find exquisite china, crystal, vases and table linens. A few doors down, stroll into Glitz Gallery and peruse embellished mirrors, pottery, paintings, glass and metal works from more than 150 different Canadian artists.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Travel-Lovin’ Mamas

By SHANNON KELLY

A dozen ideas for moms who travel this Mother’s Day—no matter what her style! (more…)

Hot Dates: Valentine’s Day

February 14

OMEGA's Seamaster Planet Ocean Chrono watch for men

Cupid takes flight—heart-shaped bow and arrow in tow—to celebrate all things lovey-dovey this February. Woo your sweetie with chocolate treats and fragrant blooms, or head to the newly renovated OMEGA boutique and give the gift of time. For her: the Planet Ocean steel watch encrusted with diamonds; for him: the Planet Ocean Chrono (pictured) with a clear sapphire back case. Both of these timepieces are water-resistant to 600 m (2,000 ft) and come from the new Seamaster range, a classic line dedicated to producing watches for divers.—Jennifer Patterson

OMEGA Boutique, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St. 604-681-8266. www.omegawatches.com

Hot Shopping: Shop Talk: Passionate about Paper

Kitschy kitchen gear, hand-crafted, made-in-Winnipeg dolls and funky and fabulous stationery are just a few of the things that have made The Paper Gallery the go-to gift and greeting card store for 35 years. Personalized customer service keep shoppers coming back season after season. Owners Anne and Itzik Joudan (pictured)—who know many customers by name—are the heart of the business. The couple bought the store 15 years ago and moved it from its original Academy Road location to its current Corydon Avenue home five years ago. Today, the pair makes annual buying trips to gift shows in Toronto and New York where they shop with Winnipeggers in mind. “We buy fun but practical gifts,” Anne says. Indeed. From the oinking pig, chip-bag clip to the apron accessorized with a string of pearls, humour is present on every shelf. 1437 Corydon Ave, 204-488-2585, Map 2: D-3.

 

Hot Shopping: OLEANA Wool Blankets

Wool blankets by OLEANA, at Urbanity

NORDIC CHIC

When the weather outside is frightful, curl up with a super-soft blanket by Norwegian company OLEANA. These bright throws are made of merino wool (pictured) or alpaca and reference both Nordic culture and the Silk Road in their patterns. Stop by Urbanity to find OLEANA blankets, knitwear, silks and coats to perfect your Scandinavian style.—Kristina Urquhart

More information:
URBANITY 2412 Granville St. 604-801-6262. www.urbanity.ca

Travel-Friendly Convertible Winter Coat for New Moms and Moms-to-Be

The M Coat can be worn as maternity outerwear and two ways pre- or post-pregnancy.

Splurging on a maternity coat can seem wasteful, prompting all sorts of makeshift winter wear and exposed-belly dilemmas. Not ideal—especially if you’re planning a “babymoon” this winter. (more…)

14 Inspiring Books of Canadian Travel, Culture and Canadiana

Image from the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide

By Meghan Wilson-Smith

Touring the wide expanses of Canada can only be enriched with a little literature to guide you through. Pick up one of these twelve inspiring books to disappear into, travel with and share. Our list of Canadiana is here to inspire your next adventure while learning about the wonders that make Canada great! (more…)

2011 Vancouver Holiday Gift Guide

Where‘s top picks for everyone on your Christmas list

By Jennifer Patterson

The Trendsetter

Ring in the holiday season with a piece of arm candy from Tiffany & Co. The Bracelet Bag comes in satin, velvet or leather, in colours such as Tiffany blue, burgundy or walnut.

Jacob’s new eau de toilette trio comes in Classique, with notes of pink pepper and citrus; Joie de Vivre, passion fruit and freesia; and Very Chic, vanilla and black amber.

 

(more…)

Hot Art: Visit Van Dop

"Lost to the Wind" by Carole Arnston at Van Dop Gallery

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and to celebrate, the appointment-only Van Dop Gallery is throwing open its doors to the public on Saturdays from Nov. 12 to 30 for Spirit of the Season. You’ll have lots of choices for your holiday gift list with pieces by over 100 Canadian artists, including Carole Arnston‘s “Lost to the Wind” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
More information:

VAN DOP GALLERY 421 Richmond St., New Westminster. 604-521-7887. www.vandopgallery.com

Hot Art: Vase Craze

Vase by artist Mary Fox

It’s something old, something new in Classic Forms Revisited at Gallery of BC Ceramics (Sep. 3 to 29). Artist Mary Fox explores the centuries-old vase shapes that continue to influence her work. Lithium and crawl glazes lend a vintage vibe to her pieces, which would look as good in your living room as they would in Cleopatra’s lair.—Kristina Urquhart